Here we are again, with another “Extreme Review” of another Otterbox case, the 2600, is a moderately priced case at $49.95.  This case is larger and wider than the Otterbox 1900 used in my previous review.  Special thanks to Otterbox for providing us with a 2600 testing unit for this review and for my use.

The Otterbox 2600 case is well constructed and provides protection from dropping, as well as water and dust.  Even though the manufacturer advertises that this case is crush-proof, since the glass on the PDA is not protected by a hard cover, we decided not to opt for a Suburban drive-over this time, as the last time after the review we were told that the pressure of the drive over could damage a device, as the cases do flex ever so slightly.

Throughout this review we will be protecting a much larger  and wider PDA device, that is, the Toshiba E800, which has a thick extended battery pack attached and is longer than most PDAs on the market.  Unfortunately, the previously reviewed Otterbox 1900 case was not tall or thick enough to protect the oversized Toshiba PDA.  Actually this is the only case that is large enough to fit this device.

What is inside of the package?

• The Case
• Extra Foam Padding for thinner devices.

Since the Toshiba E800 is a thick device, only one foam pad was necessary to firmly secure the device in the case and it did not slip or move throughout our testing.

Also of note is the construction of this clear plastic case, which is really Polycarbonate & ABS Shell, in disguise, as you will see in our test video that when dropped on a tile floor, I was not able to even find a scratch on the case…wow!!  This is a strong case indeed; don’t let the clear plastic fool you!

At the top of the picture below are two additional foam pads to provide a secure fit for your device, as this case does not have a strap, as with the Otterbox 1900, rather this case relies on a pressure fit.  Don’t worry though, our device did not slip throughout the testing.

Also thanks to the reflection in the picture, it is possible to see the clear plastic membrane that protects the screen of your mobile device, as well as allows for writing input and throughout our testing allowed audio and microphone recordings to be unimpaired.

Music Plays clearly through the membrane, as well as the nice feature of being able to write on the case enclosed PDA, while the device is secured inside the case.

Here is a picture of the Toshiba E800 with extended battery pack firmly secured inside the case.  Note the vertical cut-out on the right of the screen which allows for secure storage of a stylus.  A slightly thicker stylus will firmly fit into the custom slot.

Center the device face-down into the case, as shown and then close the back of the case and secure the latches.  Actually, it was easier to secure the device in the case with this Otterbox, than it was in the last review, as a strap in not used to secure the device from the inside.  I like the way that the E800 fit securely by pressure alone.  Note that on the top of the case is a slot that allows for a twist tie or a padlock to make sure that the case does not open, while under extreme conditions.

The hinge is thick and sturdy and looks like it will provide many years of service.

The latches are also very sturdy and securely fasten, providing a reliable closure, as the hinges did not open during our testing.

Unlike the Otterbox 1900, the 2600 does not have any pass-through ports or expansion capabilities, however, this was of no consequence to me, while testing the Toshiba E800, as I did not have any accessories that required that functionality.

The Neoprene strap is flexible, just like on the Otterbox 1900 and provides a secure feel while carrying the case.  The strap is easily adjusted by means of Velcro fasteners on both ends.  I removed the case for the testing, however it was very difficult to re-feed the strap back through their channels in the case, as the straps fit is very tight in the slots.  I recommend only taking of the strap infrequently, as a result of my experiences trying to re-thread the  strap.

Here is a close-up showing the convenience of writing through the case’s plastic membrane.  I was impressed by how easy it was to write through the membrane.

And now for our Video Review:

Otterbox 2600 Review

JAMM Review Summary

Things we liked: Everything!

Construction:  Strong enough to withstand damage from being dropped onto a tile floor and also great water-tight protection.  The strap gave a secure feel when holding the case.  The Stylus holder keeps a stylus firmly in place and is convenient.  The hinge is thick and durable.  Finally I was able to find a large and wide enough case to accommodate even a Toshiba E800 with a thick expansion battery.

Durability: The front of the case has a rubber rubber protector that is elevated from the mobile device’s screen to protect the glass during accidental drops, like the one we inflicted in our video review.  The Heavy-duty latches stayed closed during our testing.  The rubber pads that secure the device on the inside of the case protect, as well as keep the device firmly in place.

Ease of Use:  All buttons on the front of the mobile device can be easily accessed, including the touch screen through the plastic membrane.  The membrane that protects the screen and also allows writing with a stylus also does not dampen the device audio or recording.

Accessories: Multiple accessories are available as below.

Things that we would like to see: A plastic flip-cover  (like on the Otterbox 1900) that protects the glass on the device cover, since the mobile device’s glass is still exposed and the membrane will not protect against a direct-hit to the screen.  We would also like to see rubber around the case, as this would protect the plastic from scratches, as well as more durable.

The Price is a reasonable $49.95, which is well worth the money, if you are looking for a rugged case that will protect your thicker and oversized mobile device.

Otterbox makes some of the most rugged cases that we have ever seen, and today we are going to be putting that to the test with the the Otterbox 1900, one of Otterboxes’ most durable and versatile cases.   According to the company, the case is crush resistant,  drop resistant, dustproof, dirtproof, and waterproof.  Those are some pretty serious claims, and we appreciate Otterbox sending a sample case our way so we can conduct all of these tests ourselves.

Before we get to the testing, however, let’s take a closer look at what exactly we are talking about.  This case is covered with rubber over- molding for durability and secure gripping.  Heavy duty latches ensure that your fragile electronics remain secured inside the case, without spilling out after an accident.  The case also features a clear plastic membrane for viewing a portable device screen and keeping it waterproof, as well as a hard cover that slides down to for extra protection of your device when it is not in use.

The 1900 is very versatile and will accommodate various devices.  As you can see in the pictures below, my Samsung i760 is held securely in place by the Velcro strap design that holds the device up against the plastic membrane on the front of the case.  Becuas the velcro is fully adjustable, you can use the same case with many different devices.

Once you have secured your device in the velcro strap, simply assemble the two halves of the case, fitting the tab into the bottom and secure the case with the heavy-duty latches.

The clear top also has heavy duty latches for accessing CF or SD cards.  The bottom of the unit is pressure fitted for easy removal and charging of devices.  Note the dangling piece of rubber in the picture above, which is the pressure fitted cover of the bottom opening for accessing the sync connections of the device.

Once assembled, the Otterbox can easily be carried with a hand strap that can be worn in two ways.

• on the forearm to allow free use of the hand.
• on the hand for immediate access to the device.

As I mentioned, the Otterbox 1900 is a fantastic universal case, which is able to hold a variety of different devices, of all shapes and sizes, including:

MEIZU Music Card MP3/OGG player – Even a small MP3 player can be secured and protected inside of the Otterbox.

IPAQ 3650 – This is the original Compaq Ipaq and is a large device,  and it  “just fits”.

Garmin EMAP – This is also a large and thick device and the fit is perfect.  It is easy to push the GPS directional and Menu Buttons through the plastic membrane.

Below is a close up picture of the heavy-duty latches and also the membrane on the bottom of the unit (yellow circle with the round vents) that allows for heat dissipation, so that your device doesn’t overheat when closed up inside of the case.  Also the close-up shows the full-body rubber casing that protects the device from scratches/damage.

Now , we have finally reached the main event…the part for which you have all been waiting…the reason you read this far in the first place: Can this unit stand up to our “Extreme” Testing:  Will the Otterbox survive being driven-over by a Chevy Suburban and various other tests???

Now, in fairness, I should tell you that we were advised by Otterbox not to drive over a mobile device with a Chevy Suburban, per their disclaimer below.  However the even the official disclaimer could not have stopped us from trying

Here is the Official Disclaimer from Otterbox:

“The 1900 is a tremendously strong case and can withstand extreme abuse and neglect during everyday use, but the case will flex considerably if subjected to those conditions. If they case flexes too much it could crush the PDA inside, especially if the PDA is very large. I would not recommend driving a 6800 lbs Chevy Suburban or any other vehicle over the unit.”

Folks, please do not try this at home.

However,we were still determined to attempt this feat, as we had not seen this stunt performed in any other Otterbox review.  In addition to driving over the Otterbox case with a Chevy Suburban, we also dropped the Otterbox 1900 from five feet onto concrete and then submerged it in water.

So, sit back and enjoy the following video and find out if my Garmin was crushed into smithereens, drowned, or otherwise destroyed by our extreme testing.

The Otterbox 1900 stood up to the manufacturer’s claims with “flying colors” and even was able to withstand the Chevy Suburban Crush Test.  The Garmin EMap was protected inside of the Otterbox (It still works!!) and did not sustain any damage throughout the testing and the case itself only sustained some minor scratches and in fact still looks Brand New!  Thumbs up for the Otterbox 1900.  This case is incredible!!!!

Below, you can see the only damage from the testing: a few cosmetic scratches on the latch.

The Otterbox 1900 also comes with a small plastic accessory bag that has a rubber plug that allows for sealing the area around a headphone wire, and also a hex tool to allow a more permanent closure of the latches (latches can be screwed into the casing)

Additional accessories are also available for the Otterbox 1900, including:

• Belt Clip
• Vehicle Mount
• Neck Lanyard
• Serial Pod
• Medium Pod with or without scanner window
• Large GPS Pod
• Cable Sealing Pod

For more information on the Otterbox 1900 please see the product page on Otterbox’s site.

JAMM Review Summary

Things we liked: Everything!

Construction:  So strong that it withstood a Chevy Truck, stayed air-tight submerged under water and survived a hard drop onto concrete.  Also of note was the secure fit for devices of varying sizes, thanks to the innovative Velcro securing strap.  Yellow color made this device easy to locate and the shape fits securely into your hand when used in conjunction with the hand strap.

Durability: Surrounded with Rubber to protect from nicks and scratches and heavy-duty latches that stayed closed even in extreme conditions.

Ease of Use:  Mobile devices can be easily accessed, including touch screens through the plastic membrane.  There are removable sections that allow easy access to the charging ports, as well as the storage card areas of the mobile device.

Accessories: A plethora of add-on accessories available to make this case fit a multitude of mobile devices.

The Price is a little high at $99 which is  steep for everyday use, but per our testing today, it is well worth the price.  But don’t forget, you still have a chance to win an Otterbox case without paying for it!   Later this evening, we will be drawing two lucky winners who will each receive a free Otterbox case.  So, head over to the Otterbox Contest:  Otterbox Contest! Extra Long, Too! and enter before it is too late.

But we do not like to send anyone away empty handed.  So, even if you do not win this time, you can still grab an Otterbox case at a fantastic price.  Just head over to www.otterbox.com, make your selection, and enter the code JAMMOTTER) at checkout.  This will give you an automatic 10% off of any purchase.  Better hurry though, this offer will expire June 30.

As I have always said, there are three different types of cases; soft, hard, and the Otterbox. Soft cases being maybe leather cases or soft slip cases such as the OEM PSP case. Hard cases are the Rhinoskin or Boxwave Armorcases that offer a metal shell for your device. The final type of case is an Otterbox, a shell that anything short of a nuclear blast would not even scratch your device.

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